Question : INDO- SINO BORDER TALKS

(a) whether India and China recently held negotiations on several issues including the boundary issue and if so, the details and outcome thereof;

(b) the number of rounds of talks held previously in this regard along with the details of discussions held during the recent visit of National Security Advisor to that country;

(c) whether India and China are also working on a new border patrolling network and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government is assessing the implications of the Maritime Silk Route being implemented by China to develop trade relations with ASEAN nations and if so, the details in this regard along with the alternative proposal, if any, with the Government; and

(e) the details of steps taken/proposed to be taken to permanently settle the border issue with China?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 406 REGARDING “INDO-SINO BORDER TALKS” FOR ANSWER ON 22.04.2015

(a) & (b) India and China have agreed to each appoint a Special Representative (SR) to explore the framework for a boundary settlement from the political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship. The 18th round of Special Representatives Talks on the India-China boundary question was held in New Delhi from March 22-24, 2015. The Special Representatives of the two countries, Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor and Mr Yang Jiechi, State Councilor held useful and positive discussions on the framework for the settlement of the India-China boundary question on the basis of the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question signed on April 11, 2005.
The two delegations reviewed the situation prevailing in the India-China border areas and focused on the need to adhere to the various agreements for maintenance of peace and tranquility, which is a pre-requisite for continued growth of bilateral relations.
The two Special Representatives affirmed the consensus to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question through consultations on an equal footing, proceeding from the political perspective of overall bilateral relations. The two sides agreed that the next round of talks would be held in China. The specific dates would be decided through diplomatic channels.

(c) No, Madam.

(d) The Government of India is aware of the new Chinese initiatives of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The ancient trade routes in Asia included the Silk Route, the Spice Route and many other such routes. These were the channels of vibrant trade in the region and beyond and anchor of Asia’s prosperity. They promoted exchange of ideas, cultures, art, religion and spiritualism. India, historically was at the centre of several of these trade routes and shared its age-old wisdom with societies along these routes.

(e) The Special Representatives are engaged in discussions to seek a boundary settlement from the political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship.